All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football 2020 preview by position: DL

By Caleb Calhoun

AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Matthew Butler #94 of the Tennessee Volunteers in action during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 13: Matthew Butler #94 of the Tennessee Volunteers in action during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images /

Nose guard

Greg Emerson; Redshirt sophomore; 6’3″ 300 pounds; Jackson, Tenn.

After redshirting as a freshman, Greg Emerson emerged midway through last year as an elite nose tackle for Tennessee football. The in-state North Side High School graduate started nine games in the middle and got better over time.

With 30 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2019, Emerson figures to take another major step this year. He is clearly Jeremy Pruitt’s nose guard of the future, and he is a rising star on Rocky Top. This could be a breakout season for him.

Defensive tackle

Aubrey Solomon; Senior; 6’5″ 315 pounds; Leesburg, Ga.

Last, year, as we mentioned in the opening slide, Aubrey Solomon did not receiver his eligibility waiver from the NCAA as a Michigan Wolverines transfer until the week before the opener. However, he got better over time just like Emerson.

The graduate of Lee County High School in Georgia emerged in the other defensive tackle role, starting nine games like Emerson. He finished with 28 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one hurry and one recovered fumble. This year, with more experience, his playmaking potential should be through the roof.

Defensive end

Matthew Butler; Senior; 6’4″ 289 pounds; Raleigh, N.C.

Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley used by-committee defensive ends and tackles last year, but Matthew Butler was the best on the edge. The graduate of Garner Senior High School in North Carolina had 45 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two and a half sacks and two pass breakups.

This year, Butler should emerge even more. His play only equated to four starts last year, but he saw significant action the whole season. Given his versatility with his size, he’s the best fit on the edge in Pruitt’s 3-4.

Home/Vols Football